Jump in fees proposed for Gardens

Palm Beach Gardens is proposing to cover costs by raising fees for everything from fireworks to athletics.

While some fees are being eliminated or reduced, most are on the rise. The fee schedule is set for a vote by the city council tomorrow, Sept. 3, at a city hall meeting that starts at 7 p.m.

City staff has recommended eliminating a $50 Minor Site Plan Review/Administrative Review, for example, because such reviews are so minor that a fee was not felt necessary, according to a memo by Finance Administrator Allan Owens.

But a new Palm Beach Gardens Youth Athletic Association Annual Sports Fee of $20,000 has been proposed, as recommended by the PBGYAA. And the Single Turf Athletic Field Permit Fee has been recommended to increase from $80 to $120 for non-residents, and from $75 to $150 for non-resident groups, to cover the cost of field maintenance.